In the aftermath of WW II, the Hartwell family struggles to remain whole as a season of change descends upon the South. Old loyalties and familiar ties are abandoned as their sleepy community lashes out with hate when Burke Hartwell, Sr. chooses to defend a black maid who is accused of stealing a priceless heirloom from the man who wants to remain the U.S. Senator from Virginia.
As his world fills with confusing strife, 13-year-old Lee Hartwell struggles to avoid the perils of first love, break the silence between his family and the brother they refuse to understand, and make his way in a time of unrelenting change. Through it all, his father counsels and confides, easing the path of maturity with a strength of conviction that takes a lifetime to learn.
- ISBN10 0553762427
- ISBN13 9780553762426
- Publish Date 30 June 1997 (first published 1 July 1995)
- Publish Status Active
- Publish Country US
- Publisher Random House USA Inc
- Imprint Bantam Dell Publishing Group, Div of Random House, Inc
- Format Paperback (US Trade)
- Pages 352
- Language English
- URL https://penguinrandomhouse.com/books/isbn/9780553762426